Capacidade terapêutica da fitoterapia na odontologia: uma análise abrangente das proteínas antimicrobianas, anti-inflamatórias e reparadoras / Therapeutic capacity of phytotherapy in dentistry: a comprehensive analysis of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and reparative properties

Introdução: A fitoterapia se baseia na utilização de plantas medicinais, através de diferentes formulações farmacêuticas com fins terapêuticos. Na Odontologia, os fitoterápicos têm sido alvo de estudos, devido suas propriedades benéficas, além de apresentarem biocompatibilidade, baixo custo e fácil acesso. Objetivo: Realizar um levantamento na literatura científica sobre a utilização da fitoterapia na Odontologia, com vistas aos efeitos antimicrobiano, anti-inflamatório e reparador. Material e Métodos: A busca ocorreu entre fevereiro a julho/2023, nas bases PubMed e LILACS, além de livre busca, cruzando-se os descritores "Phytotherapy", "Dentistry", "Anti-inflamatory Agents", "Anti-Infective Agents", "Wound Healing", "Fitoterapia", "Odontologia", "Anti-inflamatório", "Antimicrobiano" e "Cicatrização". Após leitura inicial, seguida da análise crítica com aplicação dos critérios estabelecidos, foram selecionadas 50 referências. Desenvolvimento: Diversas plantas são empregadas sob a forma de fitoterapia, como Aloe vera (babosa), Matricaria recutita (camomila), Copaifera (copaíba), Punica granatum (romã), Uncaria tomentosa (unha-de-gato), Malva sylvestris (malva), Althaea officinalis (malvaísco), Myracrodruon urundeuva (Aroeira), Lippia sidoides (Alecrim pimenta) e Glycyrrhiza glabra (Alcaçuz). Na Odontologia, pesquisas evidenciaram resultados satisfatórios para o tratamento de afecções da cavidade oral, especialmente com caráter inflamatório e infeccioso, além de aclerar a cicatrização. Esses achados apontam que a fitoterapia é um tratamento eficaz, acessível e com mínimos efeitos colaterais. Considerações finais: Com base na literatura revisada, a fitoterapia parece ser uma alternativa promissora no tratamento de afecções orais, devido aos seus notáveis efeitos cicatrizantes, antimicrobianos e anti-inflamatórios. Contudo, mais pesquisas com metodologias adequadas são necessárias para que se estabeleçam protocolos clínicos seguros e eficazes.

Introduction: Phytotherapy is based on the use of medicinal plants through different pharmaceutical formulations for therapeutic purposes. In Dentistry, phytotherapeutics have been the subject of studies due to their beneficial properties, as well as their biocompatibility, low cost, and easy accessibility. Objective: To conduct a literature review on the use of phytotherapy in Dentistry, focusing on antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and reparative effects. Materials and Methods: The search took place between February and July 2023, using PubMed and LILACS databases, in addition to a free search, crossing the descriptors "Phytotherapy," "Dentistry," "Anti-inflammatory Agents," "Anti-Infective Agents," "Wound Healing," "Fitoterapia," "Odontologia," "Anti-inflammatory," "Antimicrobial," and "Cicatrização." After an initial reading, followed by critical analysis with the application of established criteria, 50 references were selected. Development: Various plants are employed in phytotherapy, such as Aloe vera (aloe), Matricaria recutita (chamomile), Copaifera (copaiba), Punica granatum (pomegranate), Uncaria tomentosa (cat's claw), Malva sylvestris (mallow), Althaea officinalis (marshmallow), Myracrodruon urundeuva (Brazilian copaiba), Lippia sidoides (rosemary pepper), and Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice). In Dentistry, research has shown satisfactory results for the treatment of oral cavity conditions, especially those with inflammatory and infectious characteristics, as well as accelerating healing. These findings suggest that phytotherapy is an effective, accessible treatment with minimal side effects. Final considerations: Based on the reviewed literature, phytotherapy appears to be a promising alternative in the treatment of oral conditions due to its notable healing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, more research with appropriate methodologies is necessary to establish safe and effective clinical protocols.

In vitro evaluation of some mechanical properties and fluoride release of glass-ionomer cement modified with seashell nanoparticles.

Background: This research assessed the compressive strength and microhardness of glass-ionomer cement (GIC) after incorporating seashell nanoparticles and evaluated the inert fluoride-releasing ability. Methods: Seashell nanoparticles were synthesized by a mechanical grinding protocol. These particles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray and added to the glass-ionomer powder in a weight-to-weight ratio. Seventy-five study samples were distributed into eight samples for each study group (control, 5%, and 10% seashell) to have 24 samples for each test of the study (compressive strength, microhardness, and fluoride release). One sample per group was prepared for the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) test. The fluoride ion release was measured after one and four weeks of incubation period at 37 ºC, while other tests were conducted after 24 hours of incubation. Results: In all the test variables, the 10% seashell group showed the highest significant mean, followed by the 5% seashell and the control group. However, there was no significant difference between the 5% and 10% seashell groups in the first week of fluoride release. Conclusion: According to the results, 10% seashell nanoparticles were the best to improve the mechanical properties of GIC and boost the fluoride-releasing potential.

General dentists' treatment plans in response to cosmetic complains; a field study using unannounced-standardized-patient.

Background: This field study explored general dentists' treatment plans in response to the request for cosmetic services of an unannounced standardized patient (USP) in Mashhad, Iran. Methods: The researcher, as a USP, visited 24 and 23 offices in a high-income and a low-income area, respectively. The primary complaint was that, according to her friend's comments, a dental student, her smile was "crooked and yellow" due to the congenitally missing tooth number 10 and peg-shaped tooth number 8. The dentists' treatment plans for teeth color and form and the cosmetic services expenses were recorded. The treatment plans of the two areas were compared. Results: For dental form, most dentists' treatment plans were categorized as "No intervention" (privileged area: 37.5 %, less-privileged area: 56.53 %, and total: 46.80 %). The percentage of dentists in the privileged area who prescribed cosmetic services was twice that of the less-privileged area (33.33 % versus 17.39 %). The intervention for dental form varied from placing 1 unit of composite veneer to 10 units of ceramic laminates or orthodontics with a wide range of treatment costs ($42.09 to $1079.14). For tooth color, most dentists (privileged area: 62.50 %, less-privileged area: 30.43 %, and total: 46.80 %) were categorized as "Interventionists." For tooth color, the treatment plans varied from scaling and root planing, bleaching, and composite veneer with various costs ($7.19 to $197.84). Conclusion: Cosmetic treatment plans and expenses varied significantly for a single USP, with many not aligning with the standard treatment plan. Some dentists offered treatments even without a chief complaint from the patient. Dentists in privileged areas were twice as likely to prescribe cosmetic treatments compared to those in less privileged areas. Therefore, cosmetic services necessitate monitoring, establishing clear diagnostic criteria, and implementing educational interventions.

Present state and perceived future use of teledentistry in long-term care facilities in Japan: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: Teledentistry could be effective in managing oral health through the provision of oral hygiene instruction and diagnostic services. This study aimed to assess the perception and usefulness of teledentistry in Japanese long-term care facilities. Methods: We conducted a questionnaire survey to compare related factors of the usefulness of teledentistry and identify issues in its implementation. We chose 1000 facilities using a stratified random sampling method. The questionnaires were sent to the facilities in August 2021 and collected in December of the same year. Responses to the questionnaire items regarding the usefulness of teledentistry for oral management were divided into three groups according to the answer: perceiving teledentistry as "useful," "not useful," or "neither," including facilities that do not currently use teledentistry. Results: In total, 26.1% (261) responded to the questionnaire, and among these, 184 facilities answered the question regarding the usefulness of teledentistry. Only two of these facilities implemented teledentistry. Facilities with dental hygienists (p = 0.040) and those that receive insured medical treatment: reimbursement for oral feeding maintenance II (p = 0.040) tended to perceive teledentistry as useful in the management of patients with coronavirus disease. The higher the number of services that responded to the question "what kind of services do you think can be provided via teledentistry?" the higher the percentage of "useful" responses. Conclusions: Although only a few facilities use teledentistry, many long-term care facilities perceive it as useful even without using it. The presence of dental hygienists and interprofessional work done with reimbursement for oral feeding maintenance II contributed to the perception of the usefulness of teledentistry in long-term care facilities.

Validation of the Polish version of an Ageism Scale for Dental Students (ASDS-PL).

BACKGROUND: Ageism is one of the common forms of discrimination and prejudice. It has also been shown to be present in health professionals, including doctors, nurses, and medical students. AIMS: The aim of this study was to translate the Ageism Scale For Dental Students (ASDS) into Polish, perform a culture adaptation, and conduct a preliminary validation analysis. METHODS: The survey was administered to 202 third-, fourth-, and fifth-year students at the Jagiellonian University (No. 1072.6120.283.2020). Data were analyzed using principal components analysis (PCA) with an oblique, Promax rotation, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Cronbach's alpha (α) was calculated to check the internal consistency reliability. Discriminant validity was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: PCA produced a 10-item scale distributed into three factors, which explains 59.52% of the total variance. Factor 1 ("preconceived notions about dental treatment") contained four items (α = 0.703), Factor 2 ("cost-benefit of providing care for older patients")-four items (α = 0.660) and Factor 3 ("dentist-older patient interaction")-two items (α = 0.662). CFA confirmed that the model is a good fit (RMSE = 0.058, 90% CI from 0.014 to 0.092, CFI = 0.950, and TLI = 0.926). The discriminant validity showed statistically significant differences in factors or individual items related to the year of the study, gender, and having a history of living with an older person(s) or an older patient(s) treated. CONCLUSION: The validation of the ASDS conducted in Poland identified 10 items with sufficient validity and reliability.

Big Data in Epidemiology: Brave New World?

Epidemiology is experiencing a significant shift toward the utilization of big data for health monitoring and decision-making. This article discusses the recent example of the World Health Organization (WHO) global oral health status report and regional summaries, which faced criticisms due to its reliance on big data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. We address the arguments for and against the use of big data in epidemiology and provide an assessment of the value and limitations of big data epidemiology. Moreover, we provide recommendations as to how the oral health community should reconcile traditional epidemiologic approaches with big data and advanced data analytics. This Perspective article highlights the challenges of the current epidemiologic landscape, the potential of big data, and the need for a balanced approach to data utilization in epidemiology.

Understanding the role of a general education course Oral Science in establishing oral health knowledge and behaviors among undergraduate students from different majors: a questionnaire-based study.

BACKGROUND: The general education course, Oral Science, has been offered by Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University for many years in order to improve students' knowledge of oral health. Information about the oral health knowledge, status, and behaviors among undergraduates who had taken Oral Science was collected to evaluate the impact of this course, and to provide a basis for further improvement of the course teaching quality. METHODS: Undergraduates taking Oral Science as an elective course were selected as the research subjects. The research time is the second semester of the 2022 academic year, from February 2023 to June 2023. Undergraduates who had not taken the course served as the control group. To investigate the oral health knowledge, status, and behaviors among undergraduate students who have taken the general education course of Oral Science, course students and non-course students were asked to fill out the same questionnaire at both the beginning and end of semester. The answer scores and accuracy of these two groups were compared and analyzed. Before and after the first lesson, and at the end of the semester, course students were asked to fill out the same oral knowledge questionnaire. Another questionnaire was released in week 10 to collect the data of the course students' oral health status and behaviors. The control group completed the same oral knowledge questionnaire at the beginning and end of the semester, respectively. SPSS 20.0 statistical software was used to analyze the data. Statistical significance level was set at 0.05 for all tests. RESULTS: At the beginning of the semester, there was no significant difference in the accuracy of the 16 questions nor the scores between two groups (P > 0.05). After one semester of learning, the accuracy of the 16 questions answered by the course students at the end of the semester was significantly higher (P < 0.05), as well as the score of the course students. CONCLUSION: The general education course of Oral Science can significantly improve undergraduates' general knowledge of dentistry and effectively improve their oral hygiene behavior.

The relationships between unmet social needs, oral health measures, and dental service utilization in a pediatric population.

OBJECTIVES: Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) have been linked to health, including oral health and oral health behaviors. Objectives of this retrospective records review were to evaluate the relationships between self-reported unmet social needs and (1) oral health measures and (2) dental service utilization in a pediatric population at a hospital-based dental clinic. METHODS: Children 2-5 years of age whose families had completed a SDoH survey and who had an encounter with one United States (U.S.) urban children's hospital dental clinic within 6 months (± 3 months) of the survey date were included. A chart review was performed, and information was collected about the child's (1) oral health (e.g., plaque level, presence of caries) and (2) dental service utilization (e.g., no-show rates, number of dental surgeries). The data of patients with one or more parental/caretaker-reported unmet social needs were compared with that of patients with no unmet social needs. RESULTS: Inclusion criteria were met by 2646 children. Those with unmet social needs had significantly higher no-show rates at scheduled appointments than those without unmet social needs (p-value <0.001). Patients who identified as African/Black were more likely to report unmet social needs. There was no statistically significant difference in oral health measures of patients with or without unmet social needs. CONCLUSIONS: Children in this population demonstrated varying associations between unmet social needs, health measures, and health behaviors, suggesting a likely complicated association between unmet social needs and health.

Towards dental diagnostic systems: Synergizing wavelet transform with generative adversarial networks for enhanced image data fusion.

The advent of precision diagnostics in pediatric dentistry is shifting towards ensuring early detection of dental diseases, a critical factor in safeguarding the oral health of the younger population. In this study, an innovative approach is introduced, wherein Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) and Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) are synergized within an Image Data Fusion (IDF) framework to enhance the accuracy of dental disease diagnosis through dental diagnostic systems. Dental panoramic radiographs from pediatric patients were utilized to demonstrate how the integration of DWT and GANs can significantly improve the informativeness of dental images. In the IDF process, the original images, GAN-augmented images, and wavelet-transformed images are combined to create a comprehensive dataset. DWT was employed for the decomposition of images into frequency components to enhance the visibility of subtle pathological features. Simultaneously, GANs were used to augment the dataset with high-quality, synthetic radiographic images indistinguishable from real ones, to provide robust data training. These integrated images are then fed into an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for the classification of dental diseases. The utilization of the ANN in this context demonstrates the system's robustness and culminates in achieving an unprecedented accuracy rate of 0.897, 0.905 precision, recall of 0.897, and specificity of 0.968. Additionally, this study explores the feasibility of embedding the diagnostic system into dental X-ray scanners by leveraging lightweight models and cloud-based solutions to minimize resource constraints. Such integration is posited to revolutionize dental care by providing real-time, accurate disease detection capabilities, which significantly reduces diagnostical delays and enhances treatment outcomes.

Use of Hypnosis in the Treatment of Orofacial Pain: A Systematic Review.

Objectives: To conduct a systematic review on the use of hypnosis in the treatment of orofacial pain. Methods: The search was performed on February 2021 and updated in July 2024 in the following databases: MEDLINE via PUBMED, Virtual Health Library (VHL), Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Clinical Trials, ISRCTN Registry, Psycinfo, Open Grey, Google Scholar, and Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (BDTD). The descriptors referring to Orofacial Pain and hypnosis were used to select clinical trials on the use of hypnosis in the treatment of Orofacial Pain, in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Italian, without restriction on date and place of publication. In a first stage, two independent, trained, and calibrated reviewers classified the abstracts and then the full texts. The data were extracted, and the risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool. Results: Of the 642 references identified, 6 studies-published between 1986 and 2010-were included in the review, with 232 patients reported. Hypnosis was mainly used in cases of chronic pain associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), compared with relaxation sessions, acupuncture, occlusal splint, minimal treatment, or no interference. Hypnotherapy was applied in different ways, either exclusively by professionals or by means of self-hypnosis in a complementary or exclusive manner. All studies showed statistical significance for the effect of the intervention (hypnotherapy). The overall RoB2 consisted of three studies with high risk of bias and three studies with some concern. Conclusions: Although there were clinical studies on the subject and they had methodological flaws, hypnotherapy (induction and/or self-hypnosis) appears to be a promising strategy for the treatment of orofacial pain, especially TMDs. There is, therefore, a need for new randomized clinical studies with adequate methodological standards to confirm the findings.

Communication in implant treatment planning, placement and reconstruction in the digital age: a technician's perspective.

Effective communication between clinicians and the dental laboratory is paramount in the realm of dental implant restorations, where precision and meticulous planning are key for success. This article explores the transformative shift towards digital workflows, highlighting the collaborative dance between the clinician and the dental laboratory. The power of visual communication is emphasised, with examples illustrating its impact on the precision of treatment plans. Celebrating these digital tools, this article envisions a new era of collaboration, transcending traditional communication methods for more predictable and successful implant restorations.

The hygienist's role in the management of the implant patient in primary care.

The scope of practice for dental hygienists includes the care of implants and peri-implant tissues. Hygienists in primary care settings must therefore be competent and confident in assessing, managing, and treating implant restorations and their peri-implant health. Dental hygienists also play a key role in the education of patients on oral health as part of their daily practice, a recognised and valued aspect of their clinical care responsibilities. Dental hygienists and therapists therefore have a pivotal role as adjunct support in a patient's implant journey where they can offer essential support throughout their treatment period and can provide guidance and education at regular intervals.Using current guidelines, dental hygienists and therapists can create and implement practice protocols to help deliver the necessary clinical care during pre-implant, peri-implant, and post-implant phases of care. This article discusses the processes required to achieve a healthy implant patient, how the dental team can support the patient, and how clinicians can work together to achieve the best possible clinical outcome. This article will explore current evidence-based guidance and how to implement guidance in a practice setting, with protocols for all members of the dental team, with the final goal of a dentally healthy, motivated patient.

Developing implant mentoring programmes: breaking down the components.

Mentoring has been identified as a key component of training in implant dentistry. However there has been little guidance about how this should take place, the expected outcomes, who should be providing mentoring, and the processes involved. Dentists are required to ensure they are appropriately trained, competent and confident when undertaking clinical tasks. Mentoring will play a key role in giving assurance that these are in place. This article, which is partly based on the College of General Dentistry publication Mentoring in Implant Dentistry: Good Practice Guidelines, provides background and context to the role of mentoring in implant dentistry training programmes. Key components of structured mentoring programmes are described to assist mentors, mentees, and implant education providers.

Radiographic anatomy of the nasal conchal bullae and conchal sinuses in mature horses.

The dorsal and ventral nasal conchal bullae and conchal sinuses are part of the complex equine paranasal sinus system and are commonly affected by secondary sinusitis. However, the radiographic anatomy of the conchal sinuses is poorly reported in the literature. The present study aimed to describe the radiographic anatomical characteristics of the nasal conchal bullae and conchal sinuses in mature horses. Six equine cadaveric heads without sinus or dental disorders were studied. A maxillary sinusotomy was performed to identify the dorsal and ventral nasal conchal bullae and conchal sinuses, allowing the application of radiopaque contrast medium in these structures. Afterward, the same projections were repeated. Laterolateral views allowed an adequate visualization of nasal conchal bullae and conchal sinuses; however, they overlapped the same contralateral structure. In the latero30°dorsal- lateroventral oblique view, the same structures were easily recognizable, but in an oblique view, the structures were projected dorsally in relation to the contralateral one. The dorsoventral view allowed partial visualization of the dorsal conchal bullae and dorsal sinuses, but it was not possible to identify the ventral conchal sinus and ventral conchal bullae. The offset dorsoventral view helped in the identification of the dorsal conchal bullae and dorsal conchal sinus, also achieving visualization of the medial region of the ventral conchal sinus and ventral conchal bullae. The use of contrast medium, added to the anatomical dissection, allowed a better radiographic identification of the sinuses and conchal bullae. The combination of different radiographic views is recommended for the evaluation of these structures.

Exploring Dental Fusion in Primary Dentition: A Pediatric Dental Perspective.

Developmental anomalies of dentition includes abnormalities in teeth size, shape, structure, and number. Dental fusion is one such condition and is one of the most important and frequent developmental dental anomalies that can affect children's oral health. This condition can present various clinical challenges, including aesthetic concerns, occlusal disturbances, and potential impacts on the development and eruption of permanent teeth. The etiology of dental fusion is multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental, and possibly mechanical factors during tooth development. Diagnosis is done based on clinical examination and radiographic imaging to differentiate fusion from other similar anomalies such as gemination and concrescence. The present case report describes dental fusion in primary teeth seen in two young pediatric patients. These case reports aim to provide an overview of the prevalence, diagnosis, and management strategies for fusion in primary teeth, emphasizing the importance of a Pediatric Dentist in optimizing outcomes for affected children.

Improving Healthcare in South Texas Rural Communities: An Interprofessional Initiative for Primary Care Dental and Medical Residents.

OBJECTIVE: To enhance primary care dentistry and medicine residents' didactic knowledge, communication skills to address patient's healthcare needs, and collaboration among healthcare professionals, while increasing confidence in integrating primary care skills into their clinical practice. METHODS: An Interprofessional Education workshop was organized to enhance didactic knowledge and learning of 42 primary care dentistry (PCD) and family and community medicine (FCM) residents on topics including addressing facial and dental trauma in adults, managing patients with alcohol use and abuse, pain control and prescription opioid use in dentistry, and opioid use disorder and treatment. An online survey was administered before and after the workshop to assess changes in knowledge, confidence, and future intentions to incorporate targeted primary care skills learned during the workshop into clinical practice and to elicit residents' perceptions of workshop quality. Overall scale means were assessed by chi-square tests for knowledge scales and analysis of variance for confidence and career intentions scales, significance levels were set at 0.05. RESULTS: Pre-workshop assessments were completed by all attendees while post assessments received a response rate of 83.3%. Both PCD and FCM residents reported an increase in their knowledge (p < 0.05) and confidence (p < 0.05) in providing care for patients with facial/dental trauma, identifying signs of opioid abuse, addressing alcohol abuse, and understanding the referral processes following the workshop. While an overall increase was noted regarding intentions to incorporate skills learned during the workshop into practice by the PCD (pre-course = 4.33, post-course = 4.42) and FCM (pre-course = 4.55, post-course = 4.73) residents, the differences were not statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: The interprofessional education workshop for PCD and FCM residents enhanced their knowledge, confidence, and future intentions to incorporate primary care skills into clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.

Performance of ChatGPT 3.5 and 4 on U.S. dental examinations: the INBDE, ADAT, and DAT.

Purpose: Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly tools such as ChatGPT developed by OpenAI, a U.S.-based AI research organization, have transformed the healthcare and education sectors. This study investigated the effectiveness of ChatGPT in answering dentistry exam questions, demonstrating its potential to enhance professional practice and patient care. Materials and Methods: This study assessed the performance of ChatGPT 3.5 and 4 on U.S. dental exams - specifically, the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE), Dental Admission Test (DAT), and Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT) - excluding image-based questions. Using customized prompts, ChatGPT's answers were evaluated against official answer sheets. Results: ChatGPT 3.5 and 4 were tested with 253 questions from the INBDE, ADAT, and DAT exams. For the INBDE, both versions achieved 80% accuracy in knowledge-based questions and 66-69% in case history questions. In ADAT, they scored 66-83% in knowledge-based and 76% in case history questions. ChatGPT 4 excelled on the DAT, with 94% accuracy in knowledge-based questions, 57% in mathematical analysis items, and 100% in comprehension questions, surpassing ChatGPT 3.5's rates of 83%, 31%, and 82%, respectively. The difference was significant for knowledge-based questions (P=0.009). Both versions showed similar patterns in incorrect responses. Conclusion: Both ChatGPT 3.5 and 4 effectively handled knowledge-based, case history, and comprehension questions, with ChatGPT 4 being more reliable and surpassing the performance of 3.5. ChatGPT 4's perfect score in comprehension questions underscores its trainability in specific subjects. However, both versions exhibited weaker performance in mathematical analysis, suggesting this as an area for improvement.

Per-Ingvar Brånemark (1929-2014): A Homage to the Father of Osseointegration and Modern Dentistry.

Dr. Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark (Branemark), a Swedish professor of anatomy, is widely acknowledged as a pioneer in modern implant dentistry. His accidental discovery of the strong bond between titanium and bone, which he named "osseointegration," signifies a revolutionary progression in dentistry. This significant contribution has earned him global recognition among scholars and the general public. His work, which spans across disciplines, has introduced a new era of implant reconstruction and fostered the formulation of principles rooted in bone biology. This interdisciplinary advancement has paved the way for diverse craniofacial and orthopedic applications, including facial prostheses and limb replacements, owing to titanium's biocompatibility within the human body. This article stands as a tribute to Brånemark and his remarkable innovation. Despite not being a dentist, Brånemark, an orthopedic surgeon, has left an enduring legacy in dental implantology that continues to impact the field today and will undoubtedly do so in the future, deserving lasting recognition.

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet: A Tool to the Therapeutic Approaches for Patients With Temporomandibular Joint Disorders.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is characterized by symptoms such as clenching, clicking, and locking of the jaw, often due to improper positioning affecting occlusion. Nearly half of TMD patients rarely require treatment, as symptoms typically diminish on their own within a year. Nevertheless, a significant majority of persons who are diagnosed with TMD do necessitate therapy, and it may take up to three years for complete remission to occur. This study aims to determine the extent to which a healthy nutritional model, specifically the Mediterranean diet, can enhance the effectiveness of existing therapeutic treatments, like physiotherapy with warm pads. METHODS: An interventional study design was implemented. Baseline scores were obtained pre- and post-intervention, while Mediterranean diet adherence was evaluated once at the beginning. A dependent samples t-test and a one-way multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) were used to test the experimental hypotheses. RESULTS: There is a statistically significant difference (p=0.04) between the three groups associated with Mediterranean diet adherence, as indicated by the mean differences on the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS-20) questionnaire. Participants following a medium or high level of Mediterranean diet (≥18) reported fewer problems with jaw functionality both before and after the intervention compared to those with low (<18) adherence to the diet. CONCLUSION: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet appears to have a therapeutic effect on patients with TMD, offering a new dimension to their treatment. The primary benefit is the low cost of treatment, as the diet is easily accessible. This dietary approach could significantly enhance the management of TMD symptoms.